Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Timberwolves Star Makes Decision on Retirement Amid NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated May 21, 2025 1:12 PM ET

For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in the Western Conference Finals. Last year, they were eliminated in five games by the Dallas Mavericks, who went on to lose to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

The Timberwolves will aim for a different result this time around as they take on the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. On Tuesday night, however, the Timberwolves suffered a blowout loss in Game 1 to kick the series off. Still, there is a lot of basketball left for them to turn things around.

During their current playoff run, one of Minnesota's key players reportedly made a decision on their playing career that could impact the team's championship window.

Though he is not their most valuable player, long-time guard Mike Conley plays a big role in the Timberwolves' success. The Ohio State alum is in his second full season in Minnesota and remains an important player on the team. However, Conley is 37 years old and has been in the NBA since 2007, meaning retirement could be right around the corner.

Despite his age, though, it seems that Conley is not ready to call it a career just yet. According to Andscape's Marc J. Spears, the Timberwolves guard wants to play two more years to reach 20 seasons in the NBA.

"Conley has a goal of playing in 20 NBA seasons. Next season will be his 19th and the final year of his contract with Minnesota at $10.7 million," Spears wrote. "Based on how Conley takes care of his body, he seems poised to reach his goal."

Though he is making his presence felt in Minnesota, most would associate Conley with the Memphis Grizzlies. Conley played the first 12 years of his career in Memphis and was a staple of their "Grit and Grind" style.

Despite his long NBA career, Conley has never been to the NBA Finals. However, he will have a chance to buck that trend with Minnesota this year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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